Abstract [en]

Background: Previous studies have shown that trauma patients often feel unprepared at discharge due to a lack of patient information. Explicit and relevant information that is given to trauma patients at discharge can contribute to trauma patients feeling more secure when going home from a hospital.

Aim: The aim of this study is to demonstrate what information trauma patients perceive they are getting when going home from hospital, if they are satisfied with the information that is given, and if the information can be improved.

Method: Seven participants who had been trauma patients during 2014-2015 at a university hospital in Sweden were recruited. The participants varied in age, gender and trauma (injury). Semi structured telephone interviews were implemented after being in contact with the participants by letter and phone. All the collected data has been analyzed through qualitative content analysis.

Results: The result of this study has shown that some trauma patients received verbal information about mobility aids and equipment, feelings and reactions that can occur after trauma, new medicines and how and when to stop taking them, their injury, and follow-ups. The information the participants got made them feel informed, secure and satisfied. Participants also reported that they had received insufficient information regarding activity, hygiene, signs of infection, medicines and its potential side-effects, how and when to stop taking strong painkillers, feelings and reactions of crisis, their injury, a normal healing process after an injury, pain control, support - where to seek information, support in case of deterioration or absence of improvement despite medication and treatment, how to take care of wounds and planned follow-ups. The lack of this information contributed to the fact that participants felt disappointed, poorly informed, anxious, uncertain and insecure. Furthermore participants reported that they would appreciate more explicit information.

Conclusion: The result of this study shows that some trauma patients need more explicit information at discharge.